I used to work in the Westin Building (not the hotel, the office building
next door) and the starling flocks would circle the building in the
evenings and go to roost in the old building next door. Frequently the
downtown Peregrine Falcons would be chasing the flock - quite a sight to
see! Never saw a strike, but the incredible whole-flock-turns that
happened were fascinating to see, as the birds dodged and darted to throw
off the falcon. The flock/school (for fish) interactions/reactions are
something I've been meaning to read more about - anyone have any
suggestions?

Once the old building (with a nifty old tower and other roof-top
accoutrements that provided excellent roosting spots) next door was torn
down, the flocks moved out of the area. I wonder if flocks have moved to
Pioneer Square/SODO area, now that there are more unused buildings there
(after the quake).

Now that I work in the "financial district" of downtown, the only birds
that swoop by the building are pigeons and gulls.

Susan Collicott
camel at serv.net
Ballard, WA